How to Trim Your Beard While Growing It Out

Growing a beard is a journey, and knowing how to trim your beard when growing it out is essential for achieving the perfect look. At Barber Craft, we understand the challenges of maintaining a well-groomed beard during its various growth stages.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of trimming your beard while letting it grow, ensuring you maintain a polished appearance throughout your beard-growing journey.

Beard Growth Stages Explained

The Stubble Phase

The first week or two of growth marks the stubble phase. Your facial hair starts to emerge, often causing itchiness and discomfort. We suggest using a gentle facial scrub to exfoliate dead skin cells and prevent ingrown hairs. A light moisturizer can soothe irritation effectively.

The Patchy Period

Weeks three to six typically bring the patchy period. Growth becomes uneven, and your beard might look messy. Don’t trim yet! Focus on cleanliness and moisture. Beard oil softens the hair and reduces itchiness (a common complaint during this stage).

The Filling In Stage

From week six to about three months, your beard starts to fill in. You’ll see the true potential of your facial hair. Now’s the time to shape your beard. Use a quality trimmer to define your neckline and cheek line. The neckline should sit just above your Adam’s apple, forming a U-shape from ear to ear.

The Maintenance Mode

After three months, you enter maintenance mode. Your beard is fully grown, and upkeep becomes the focus. Regular trimming maintains your desired length and shape. Beard balm tames flyaways and gives your beard a polished look.

Patience is vital throughout these stages. Everyone’s beard grows at a different rate. Some men breeze through these stages in weeks, while others take months. Embrace your unique growth pattern and work with what you have.

As we move into the next section, we’ll explore the essential tools you’ll need to keep your beard in top shape throughout these growth stages. From quality trimmers to nourishing oils, the right equipment makes all the difference in your beard journey.

Essential Tools for Beard Trimming

The Cornerstone: A Quality Beard Trimmer

A top-notch beard trimmer stands as your most valuable asset. You should look for one with multiple length settings and sharp, durable blades. A cordless model offers maximum flexibility. The Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 MG7750 is the trimmer best suited to getting most beards looking great.

Precision Tools: Scissors and Comb

For detailed work, nothing surpasses a pair of sharp scissors and a fine-toothed comb. These tools allow for precise trimming of stray hairs and shaping your mustache. The Kent 81T comb (favored by many professional barbers) features smooth teeth that won’t snag beard hair.

Nourishment: Beard Oil and Balm

Keeping your beard soft and manageable requires proper care. Beard oil moisturizes the skin beneath your facial hair, reducing itchiness and flakiness. A hydrated beard and skin prevent breakage, brittleness, and thinning. You should apply it daily after showering for best results. Beard balm, on the other hand, helps style and tame unruly hairs. Men who use these products consistently often report less irritation and a more polished look.

The Often Overlooked: Beard Brush

A good quality beard brush helps distribute natural oils throughout your facial hair, exfoliates the skin, and trains your beard to grow in the desired direction. Boar bristle brushes prove particularly effective for this purpose.

Additional Accessories

Don’t forget about other helpful tools like a beard shaping template (for maintaining clean lines) and a small mirror (for precision work in hard-to-see areas). These accessories can elevate your grooming routine to new heights.

Now that you’ve assembled your beard care arsenal, it’s time to put these tools to use. In the next section, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process of trimming your growing beard, ensuring you make the most of your grooming equipment.

How to Trim Your Growing Beard

Preparation

Start your beard trimming routine with a thorough wash. Use a specialized beard shampoo to remove dirt and oil, which will make trimming easier. Pat your beard dry with a clean towel, but leave it slightly damp for easier styling.

Next, use a fine-toothed comb to detangle your beard. This step helps you identify uneven areas and split ends. Comb in the direction of hair growth to prevent damage.

Defining Your Lines

To define your neckline, tilt your head back and imagine a U-shaped line from ear to ear, just above your Adam’s apple. Use your trimmer to carefully remove hair below this line. For the cheek line, start at your sideburns and follow your natural cheek line down to the corner of your mouth.

Trimming Techniques

Trim stray hairs and split ends using sharp scissors. Start at your chin, then trim along the jawline, and fine-tune your mustache. This maintains a neat appearance without reducing overall length.

Shape your beard according to your face shape:

• Round faces: Keep the sides short and the bottom longer to elongate your face.
• Square faces: Maintain fuller cheeks and a rounded bottom.
• Oval faces: Most styles work well, but a classic, evenly trimmed beard often looks best.

Finishing Touches

Apply a few drops of beard oil to moisturize your skin and beard. This reduces itchiness and gives your beard a healthy shine. Style as desired using a boar bristle brush to distribute the oil evenly.

Trimming Frequency

Let your beard grow patchy for as long as you can stand. Then trim it back and shape it. Trying to shape it when there isn’t much there is a pain.

Tools and Professional Help

Invest in quality tools for the best results. While many trimmers are available, the Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 offers versatility and precision. Pair this with high-quality scissors and a fine-toothed comb for professional-level results.

If you’re unsure about trimming your own beard, consider visiting a professional barber. A skilled barber can shape your beard perfectly while maintaining its growing length. They can also provide personalized advice on maintaining your beard between visits.

Final Thoughts

Growing and maintaining a beard demands patience and the right techniques. You must learn how to trim your beard when growing it out to achieve a polished look throughout the process. We at Barber Craft specialize in helping men achieve their ideal beard styles with expert trimming and personalized advice.

Consistency in beard care promotes healthy growth and a neat appearance. You should establish a regular grooming routine that includes washing, conditioning, and trimming your facial hair. Experiment with different styles as your beard grows to find what complements your face shape and personal style best.

Your beard journey is unique, so embrace the process and enjoy the transformation. With the right approach and care, you’ll soon sport the beard of your dreams. Our experienced barbers can provide guidance on maintaining a well-groomed appearance throughout your beard journey (whether you need a simple trim or a complete makeover).